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A Distinction in Dress, September 22
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair,
or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women
professing godliness) with good works.
1 Timothy 2:9, 10
.
The children of Israel ... were commanded to have a simple ribbon of
blue in the border of their garments, to distinguish them from the nations
around them, and to signify that they were God’s peculiar people. [See
Numbers 15:39, 40
.] The people of God are not now required to have
a special mark placed upon their garments. But in the New Testament
we are often referred to ancient Israel for examples. If God gave such
definite directions to His ancient people in regard to their dress, will not
the dress of His people in this age come under His notice? Should there
not be in their dress a distinction from that of the world? Should not the
people of God, who are His peculiar treasure, seek even in their dress to
glorify God? And should they not be examples in point of dress, and by
their simple style rebuke the pride, vanity, and extravagance of worldly,
pleasure-loving professors? God requires this of His people. Pride is
rebuked in His Word.
We must know more of Jesus and His love than of the fashions of
the world. In the name of my Master, I call upon the youth to study the
example of Christ. When you wish to make an article, you carefully study
the pattern, that you may reproduce it as nearly as possible. Now set to
work to copy the divine Exemplar.... You cannot be like Jesus, and cherish
pride in your heart....
Of how little value are gold or pearls or costly array, in comparison
with the meekness and loveliness of Christ. Natural loveliness consists
in symmetry, or the harmonious proportion of parts, each with the other;
but spiritual loveliness consists in the harmony or likeness of our souls
of Jesus. This will make its possessor more precious than fine gold, even
the golden wedge of Ophir. The grace of Christ is indeed a priceless
adornment. It elevates and ennobles its possessor, and reflects beams of
glory upon others, attracting them also to the Source of light and blessing.
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